Simultaneous Transcatheter Closure of the Left Atrial Appendage and Congenital Interatrial Communication Closure

Background: Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with simultaneous interventional occlusion therapy for congenital interatrial communication has become a new focus of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Little is known about the results of mid-and long-term results. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the midand long-term safety and effectiveness of simultaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) and congenital interatrial communication closure in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Methods: From Jan 2016 to June 2017, 27 patients with AF were treated with simultaneous transcatheter closure of the LAA and atrial septal defect (ASD, n = 22), patent foramen ovale (PFO, n = 5). Results: The perioperative closure success rate was 96.3%, except for cardiac tamponade occurred in one ASD patient. During the median 37.6-month follow-up period, no cases of cerebrovascular or peripheral vascular embolism, bleeding, infective endocarditis or thrombosis along the occluders were observed. Of the 21 patients with NYHA Class III, nineteen had significant improvements to NYHA Classes I or II, and 81.5% of patients were free from major or minor adverse events during midand long-term follow-up. Conclusions: Simultaneous closure of the LAA and congenital interatrial communication closure is a viable option for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke or systemic embolism, and it is effective and yields excellent mid-and long-term results.